Watson believes healthy competition fuelled round one win in Nottingham

Heather Watson believes competing amid the growing strength and depth of women's tennis helped her seal an impressive opening round win at the LTA's Rothesay Open in Nottingham. Watson, who is supported by LTA's Pro Access Programme, came through two rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw in Nottingham, and was pitted against hard-hitting German Jule Niemeier. Ad Niemeier prevailed when the two met on Centre Court at Wimbledon last year but it was a different story today, with Watson rallying from 4-1 down in the opening set to claim an 6-4 6-3 victory.

Tennis10 burning questions for the grass-court season2 HOURS AGO Watson's grass court season started with a round one loss at the LTA's Lexus Surbiton Trophy a week ago, but has progressed through two qualifying matches and her opening main draw match with relative ease this week. And she believes that simplifying her game plan against similar opponents has proved crucial in her success so far, with a second round match against Tatjana Maria coming on Wednesday. «I've gone in with quite similar tactics each time so far,» said Watson.

«They've all been very big servers and I feel like I'm returning really well at the moment which really helps, it took away Jule's biggest strength today so I'm really happy with that. »I still feel that I can get to better levels in my game but I feel like as each match goes by I'm getting better and better. «I think the last time I played her was Wimbledon last year.